Constable Trevino expects to be cleared of criminal charges

Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino leaves the courtroom following a brief appearance on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, in Houston. Trevino is accused of failing to report cash campaign contributions, diverting money from his youth charity for personal use and using deputies to serve eviction notices and then keeping the delivery fees. The case was reset for January.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino leaves the courtroom Tuesday. He is charged with four felony indictments and faces 10 years in prison if convicted. He said he expects to be cleared of the charges.

Photo By Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino leaves the courtroom following a brief appearance on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, in Houston. Trevino is accused of failing to report cash campaign contributions, diverting money from his youth charity for personal use and using deputies to serve eviction notices and then keeping the delivery fees. The case was reset for January.

Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino and his attorney said Tuesday they expect the longtime law enforcement officer to be cleared of any wrongdoing in connection with allegations he abused his official role and used charity donations for personal use.

"On behalf of my family and myself, I just want to thank the community for their overwhelming support and their prayers," Trevino said after a brief court appearance Tuesday morning. "We've cooperated, and we're going to continue to cooperate and see this through all the way."

Trevino, who has been a Harris County constable for 24 years, was indicted earlier this month, accused of failing to report cash campaign contributions, diverting money from his youth charity and using deputies to serve eviction notices and keeping delivery fees.

"We're very eager for our day in court," said attorney Chip Lewis. "It's a sad day in the community when Constable Trevino's good name has been sullied because of these charges, and we are very eager for the opportunity to vindicate him and return his good name."

Trevino and Lewis did not answer questions as they left court, but reiterated that Trevino will not step down despite being indicted.

Trevino was charged in four felony indictments alleging abuse of official capacity, misapplication of fiduciary property and tampering with a government document. He faces 10 years in prison if convicted.

Lewis has said the allegations involve either inadequate bookkeeping or failure to satisfy very technical laws.

He has also said Trevino did not divert any money for his personal use, but has acknowledged problems with how he reported contributions to his charity and campaign filings.

Prosecutors did not speak after Trevino appeared in state District Judge Mark Kent Ellis' court.